"One more dive!" cried Tom and took one full of grace, to the very bottom of the lake.
As Tom came up to the surface he heard a cry from Sam, quickly followed by a yell from Fred.
"What's up?" he called out, swimming toward the shore.
"Land on the boat, Tom!" cried Sam, and leaped into the craft, followed by Fred and Powell.
"All right; but what is wrong?" asked Tom, and climbed up over the stern.
"We can't get our clothes."
"Why not?"
"Look for yourself."
Tom looked and gave a low whistle of astonishment. And not without good reason, for there on the rocks where they had left their garments rested a big black snake!
"This is interesting truly," murmured the boy, gazing at his companions in dismay.
"I'm going to get a rock and throw it at the snake," said Sam.
A stone was close to the boat, and watching his chance, he picked it up and threw it at the reptile.
The snake darted to one side. It was merely grazed by the rock and now it hissed viciously.
